Tips for Managing Holiday Anxiety, Stress and Anger

The heart of this year’s holiday season is upon us, so we hope you are brimming with joy. We commemorate love and peace during December, but the month’s pace may cause anxiety, stress and anger to bubble to the surface. If that notion feels relatable, keep reading to avoid regrettably sharing bad tidings this season.

Focus on What You Love About This Time of Year

The holidays get busy. Advertisers bombard us with messages about expensive items. Some of their ads work. Their repetitive jingles sing and dance into our short-term memories. Shopping lists become long and overwhelming. To-do lists grow unwieldy. Holiday parties dot the calendar. It’s not hard to lose perspective.

For the rest of this holiday season, try to focus on the aspect you love most about this time of year. Advertisers want the focus of the holidays to be buying a luxury car and slapping a bow on it. Instead, your personal connection with the holiday season might be

• Time with family
• Spreading goodwill
• Your personal faith
• The opportunity for respite and renewal
• Candy canes, laughter and smiles

Simplify the Season

It’s impossible to do everything, so give yourself room to enjoy the season. Simplify it where you can:

• Skip some holiday parties if you get invited to several.
• To save time, only shop online.
• You can still shop locally online, too.
• This month, splurge a little on dinner delivery when necessary.
• Whenever possible, delegate shopping, baking, wrapping and tidying up to family members.

Seek Support as Needed

If Santa gets to have elves, the rest of us also deserve support during the holidays. When you need a moment of care or encouragement, lean on trusted family and friends.

For significant issues related to holiday stress or anxiety that are difficult to resolve, we invite you to rely on our team of trained professionals at American Behavioral Clinics. We’re here to listen and help you this holiday season and throughout the new year.